A huge part of the appeal of fandom events like NYCC is that it allows average Joes to rub shoulders with fans who go above and beyond by dressing as their favorite characters. Cosplaying is an essential part of the convention experience, and seeing the inventive getups that fans spend plenty of time and money crafting is always a pleasure. (Which is yet another reason that stories about cosplayer harassment are so profoundly disturbing). Fortunately, the majority of people who attend cons are both respectful and appreciative of those who dress up.

Yesterday, Tatiana provided a look at how two impressive NYCC attendees prepared their outfits. So we know how and why cosplayers do it, but what cosplayers truly stood out this year? That's the question I wanted to explore in this Daily List in which I offer up my picks for the 20 best cosplayers at NYCC. Obviously a list like this is somewhat subjective, so be sure to mention - or, better yet, show pictures - of your favorites in the comments. Let's begin!

20) Heisenberg

Chris Cummins

With Breaking Bad having wrapped things up a few weeks ago, it's no surprise that Walter White/Heisenberg was easily the most popular cosplay choice at NYCC. (With the Eleventh Doctor seemingly a close second). Of all the Heisenbergs, my favorite is pictured above. Our cancer-ridden chemistry expert here comes complete with his trademark blue meth, pork pie hat and cheesy, emasculated dad windbreaker. Even though his jacket isn't screen accurate, I'm still choosing this gent as the best Heisenberg of the show due to his strong resemblance to Bryan Cranston. So much so that I contemplated trying to pull his face off to see if Cranston's was underneath. It's not like he hasn't pulled that stunt before.

19) These Two

Chris Cummins

I'm not sure exactly what is going on here, but it is disturbingly...arousing? Now we know what Mummenschantz porn looks like.

18) Wonder Wobear

Chris Cummins

In the absence of any Wuvable Oaf cosplayers at NYCC, the bear subculture of the LBGT community was represented at this year's festivities by the one, the only, Wonder Wobear. Lovers of body hair and bad puns, meet your new favorite superhero.

His fake arm is more solid than the entirety of Spider-Man 3's script.

16) Mr. T

Chris Cummins

I pity the fool who cannot appreciate this truly outstanding Mr. T cosplayer. Entertaining folks in the lobby for the majority of Saturday afternoon with his dead-on impersonation of the mohawked A-Team legend and some comedically oversized jewelry, T here is a perfect example of the infectious joy that cosplayers bring into the lives of their fellow conventioneers.

Lady Cassandra O'Brien.Δ17 may be CGI on Doctor Who, yet at NYCC she existed in a tangible form thanks to the ambitions of her creative carekeepers. Everyone who saw Cassandra at the show was happy to moisturize her with their tears of joy.

The unmistakable dotting style of vintage comic books is known as Ben-Day Dots. This clever cosplayer? She's is a Lichtenstein-ian triumph.

11) PaRappa the Rapper

Chris Cummins

As a diehard fan of Masaya Matsuura's classic rapping dog music game, I was beyond thrilled when I saw a PaRappa the Rapper wandering the main hall. So ya gotta believe that I stopped and snapped a pic. Unfortunately, Chop Chop Master Onion was nowhere to be found. And with that, my dreams were kick kick punched.

Fact: Transformers costumes are instant crowdpleasers. Even when they are inspired by Bayformers flicks. Bumblebee here spent Saturday showing off his moves near the inexplicably placed car section of the main floor. Fortunately for everyone in attendance he had his leaky bladder problems under control.

That Mysterio cosplay is amazing...I want that in movie form so bad that if it did happen, I would probably watch the new series of movies. The Khan is also one of pure genius. The Bob's Burgers one is not very strong but the sandwich board makes up for it.

Just an FYI, that Loki is from her appearance shortly after Thor returned after Ragnarok. During Marvel's Dark Reign era, Loki was female. It's very comic accurate (and well done) and not just "female version of Loki."

This was the best video I could find for New York Comic Con cosplay - seriously, 90% are people talking about their opinions and showing nothing while everything else is an interview with one or two cosplayers

given the number of quality costumes that I've seen before this year I have to wonder hiw many of these guys hit the whole circuit

"Cosplaying is an essential part of the convention experience..." Oh come on now, it's hardly essential. Just because you can't throw a d12 at any given con anymore without hitting some cosplayer doesn't mean attendees who go solely to hang out with friends and see viewings and panels are missing some integral part of the experience.

And while we're on the subject, with harassment of cosplayers being a recent hot topic of (legitimate) concern, I feel like harassment from cosplayers goes largely ignored. I'm sure it's not as bad as having a rando hit on you explicitly and pervasively, but can I just say how very fucking annoying it is to be screamed at/jumped on/followed/etc. by some cosplayer who is just trying to stay "in character?"

@bothgunsblazin Could it be that there are people who are only cosplaying as a particular character as an excuse to behave in a particular manner that would otherwise be completely unacceptable? *shocked gasp*

@Canadian.Scott@bothgunsblazin No. Mandatory prison-style jumpsuits for all. Those whose hairstyle or footwear choices display an unusual amount of personality will be escorted from the premises.

Haha, I actually don't mind the majority of cosplayers, and I even cosplay myself. Just please don't try to use me as a test subject for your bargain bin acting skills. Said generally, Scott. For all I know you could be a fabulous actor.

I used the word integral, Chris used essential, which I took to mean fundamental. I assume you're saying that he meant it as ubiquitous, not me. You're probably typing on your phone.

I don't mean to mince words, just pointing out that cosplay's rise in popularity has really changed the atmosphere of most cons, and there's still some curmudgeons out there who don't cosplay and don't really care for the thousands of costumed invaders clogging up the hallways and dealer's rooms. Me, I actually cosplay myself, very casually, and enjoy making props, but I have a lot of friends who are a few years older and have that get off my lawn mentality when it comes to cosplayers. Just thought I'd give them a little shout out.